How to become successfully ‘net zero’

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Abstract: The aim of this paper is to show how important sustainable development is becoming for airports. The paper explores the current manner by which an airport needs to be much more virtuous, for example, by using the Airport Carbon Accreditation. But this carbon neutrality is only a first step that unfortunately many airports are not currently achieving. Airports must be more ambitious and reach the net zero level, which means carbon absorption and not offsetting. Many actions can be undertaken by airports in order to be compliant with social and environmental aspects that are key to the future. If airports do not cope with this trend, there is a major threat including one in the near future. In addition to reaching the net zero level, airports must be proactive in various fields in order to secure a better and a green future for airports. This can include measures for many stakeholders and better use of aircraft on land and airport accessibility.

Keywords: sustainable development; carbon neutral; environment; green airport

Jean-François Guitard joined Nice Airport in 1991 as a market research manager. In 1997, he became a network development manager. In 2000, he was appointed as Director of Airports Management Studies for the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Nice. His job consisted of coordinating studies and research on behalf of 11 other major French Chambers of Commerce and industry and to promote a brand new status for major regional French airports (airport companies). He is the author of a 60-page white paper relating to this new privatised status and another one published in 2009 relating to the privatisation process of these regional airports. He is currently Director for International Development of the ‘Société des Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur’ and is in charge of institutional representation outside France for the airport and the development of foreign airports activities. He is also still involved in the process of creation of airports companies in France. He is a lecturer at the University of Aix en Provence in the airport management department (IFURTA), the French Civil Aviation School (ENAC) and Adjunct Professor at Embry Riddle University Worldwide. Furthermore, he is General Secretary of PROAVIA French Airport and ATC Technology Trade Association. Jean-François is a doctor in aviation law (thesis topic: six freedom rights) and has graduated with an Executive MBA from HEC Paris.